Avalanche Forecast

Over the past few days natural and human triggered avalanches up to size 3.5 have been reported in the region. Avalanche types include wet slabs, persistent slabs, storm slabs and wet loose. Avalanches have been observed on all aspects and elevations.

Light snowfall continues to accumulate in the alpine and be redistributed by southerly winds. Elevated freezing levels and rain have moistened the surface at treeline and below.

Beneath lies a complex snowpack containing several layers of concern that continue to produce avalanche activity:

·         Facets formed during the mid January cold snap sit 30 to 60 cm deep.

·         A surface hoar/facet/crust layer formed in early January sits 60-80 cm deep.

·         Another surface hoar layer that was buried in early December is now over 1 m deep and remains a concern above 2000 m in shallow snowpack areas.

The lower snowpack is characterized by weak basal facets in many areas. Avalanches on this layer have been large and destructive

Monday Night

Cloudy with up to 5 mm of rain expected, southwest alpine wind 40 to 70 km/h, freezing level around 2500 to 3000 m.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud with 3 mm of rain expected, south alpine wind 40 to 60 km/h, freezing level falling to 1800 m.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud with light rain possible, south alpine wind 40 to 60 km/h, freezing level around 2400 m.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy with 5 to 10 mm of rain expected, south alpine wind 20 to 40 km/h, freezing level rising to 2300 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.
• Be aware of the potential for large, destructive avalanches due to the presence of deeply buried weak layers.
• Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
• As surface loses cohesion due to melting, loose wet avalanches become common in steeper terrain.